Mohaqiq’s remarks don’t reflect govt policy: Abdullah

KABUL (Pajhwok): In reaction to Mohammad Mohaqiq’s recent remarks, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on Monday said the government did not want Afghans to fight in foreign countries.

According to reports, 2nd Deputy CEO Mohaqiq praised at a meeting in Tehran with Gen. Qasim Sulaiman -- a leader of Lashkar-i-Fatimyun in Syria -- and Afghans fighting in that country.

Sulaiman is one of the founders of Fatimiyun Brigade in Syria and has encouraged Afghan refugees in Iran to take part in the Syrian war.

“I thank all warriors who cooperated on the wars in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other parts of the world. In fact, it was jihad against infidelity and conspiracies,” Mohaqiq had said.

However, Dr. Abdullah told a cabinet meeting today that the national unity government’s policy on Afghans fighting in foreign countries was clear. “We don’t support Afghans fighting in any corner of the world.

“We want our people to live in peace in their own country. War has been imposed upon us and defending ourselves is our holy duty. The government never supports fighting Afghans in any country,” he said.

Abdullah said the national unity government’s stance on the issue, particularly his position, should not be misinterpreted.

Daesh -- or the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group -- is a great challenge to Afghanistan and the world at large, according to the CEO. “We appreciate those fighting against this group.”

A day earlier, a number of Meshrano Jirga -- or upper house of parliament -- members also reacted to Mohaqiq’s remarks and said such statements were against the national interest.